8 Holes in the Spanish Bailout

In an emergency conference during the weekend, the EU decided on granting Spain up to 100 billion euros for its banks.

After long weeks of uncertainty, this move will definitely cheer up markets. However, looking at the details or the lack of them, shows that the gloom could return within days. Here are 8 holes in the Spanish bailout decision.

Final sum unknown: The statement regarding the Spanish bailout stated the round number of €100 billion, but the final sum depends on the a final assessment due only around June 21st. This is higher than the early estimates of 50-80 billion. So, is the higher sum supposed to make us feel more confident? Has the EU put a buffer that is big enough? Not exactly. Other estimates for Spain’s aid needs range between 200 to 450 billion euros. This could be only the beginning.

No IMF funds: The International Monetary Fund will only provide technical help, but no real money. So, countries such as the US, Japan, Canada and others refuse to provide real help. This shows the distrust in Europe and its solution.

Where will the money come from?: The statement talks about funds coming from the EFSF (temporary bailout fund) or the ESDM (permanent). The money isn’t really available. It will either have to be raised on the markets or paid directly by member states, including Germany, and excluding Spain of course. Raising money when the IMF isn’t participating will not be easy, and taxpayers will not be happy to aid banks.

Clear move to calm region before Greek elections: The move comes before markets open in the last week before the critical Greek elections. The timing and the lack of exact details also shows that this is a hasty move intended to calm markets, with no real substance behind it.

Backlash in Spain: Spaniards are already frustrated with an unemployment rate of 24%, new austerity measures, and quite a few other problems. The lightness in which the government decided on injecting money into Bankia and the lightness in which the government changed its stance on external aid will not be well accepted in Spain, and mass protests and strikes could “welcome” the deal.

Finnish demand for collateral: The northern euro-zone member insisted on receiving collateral from Greece, and they immediately demanded collateral from Spain in case they pay. This is yet another unaddressed hurdle.

Backlash in Ireland regarding banking solution: According to the statement, Spain will not be required to perform new austerity measures, and the bailout will focus on the banking sector. As the Irish already stated long ago, a solution for Spanish banks that is different from the painful solution that Ireland got because of its banks will trigger a renegotiation of the Irish terms. Irish citizens pay a dear price of austerity for their “bailout” which is clearly a bailout of their banks that owe money to German, French and British banks. Why is Spain exempt from this?

Backlash in Greece over austerity: The move may calm markets before the Greek elections, but will also impact their results. SYRIZA is campaigning for the cancellation of the bailout (or memorandum if you wish), which is clearly causing a collapse of Greece. One of the things that SYRIZA’s leader Alexis Tsipras said, is that they want Greece to be treated as an equal member in Europe. The Spanish deal, with no strains attached, shows that Greece is discriminated against. In addition, it clearly shows once again that bailouts are for banks, not for the people. The Spanish “solution” will certainly help SYRIZA’s campaign. A victory for SYRIZA will accelerate a Greek exit from the euro-zone, with all the contagious consequences.

The euro will likely cheer the move, especially as there are many EUR/USD shorts to cover. But this short covering will probably be short lived, as markets digest these holes (and probably more ones).

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Yohay Elam – Founder, Writer and Editor
I have been into forex trading for over 5 years, and I share the experience that I have and the knowledge that I’ve accumulated. After taking a short course about forex. Like many forex traders, I’ve earned the significant share of my knowledge the hard way. Macroeconomics, the impact of news on the ever-moving currency markets and trading psychology have always fascinated me.
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47 Comments

I really think some of the points mentioned above were forced, they lack substance:

a) No IMF money. This is not new. We all know that world leaders have long ago stated that they want Europe to move first. Europe is moving so this is not a hole. It’s a positive thing. Europe is moving and maybe IMF and the rest will move next.

b) Backlash in Spain: I dont see why spanishes would protest because of this. They have plenty of reasons to protest, but surely not because of this. No additionaal austerity is required for this. So this point is a no issue. I think it’s the oposite. If the requirements are transfered to the banks, people should cheer up this decision.

c) Where will the money come from?
One of the biggest lies about all this financial bailouts is that not single cent of the german taxpayes was GIVEN to Greece or any other countries and it really surprises me that only a few says the truth about all this. I say it again: Not a sinlge cent was GIVEN to any other country. The money will have to be raised from the market as it has been. No hole here.

d) Clear move to calm region before Greek elections
This is not a bad thing as far as what is promised is done. For weeks the market has got to know the situation of spanish banks, so this moves makes sense. So in my opinion it is not a hole. It can turn into a hole if what is said, dont get implemented.

e) Everything you say about Ireland is right on the money.
The Irish should move on and get what they want. It’s a shame how European leaders have been tackling this problem. This shows how mediocre they are.

Just one word before i finish.
The Finish (and some others) should be aware that people will not forget.
I have ancestors who have sent clothese, food and other stuff to Finish people after the II WW, so i know what i’m talkig about.

Thanks for your comment jorge!
a) I don’t think the IMF will move next, and the lack of this aid might weaken the whole move.
b) Spain has already given money to Bankia while cutting budgets elsewhere. This wasn’t popular. In addition, Rajoy made a 180 degrees change just within days and lacks the trust of the people. This adds to anger. If conditions will be later imposed, it might add to the pain, but this isn’t certain.
c) Indeed, the German taxpayer didn’t pay anything up to now. I fully agree. The question about raising the money through the markets remains open. Up to now the EFSF was successful, but investors already demand a premium for this money and it might get worse.
d) I think it is an issue if markets see it only as a stunt to contain the fallout from Greece.

Anyway, thanks again for your very interesting and thoughtful comment!

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